A Device To Facilitate Prone Head Positioning Following Ophthalmic Surgery
Students Heading link
- Meghna Peesapati
- Sunil Dommaraju
- Julian Pacheco
- Tyler Turkovich
Project Description Heading link
Retinal detachments are corrected using a variety of surgeries that require specific post-operative care: prone, or face-down, positioning. UIH ophthalmology patients are generally prescribed 8-10 hours of prone positioning regimen per day for 3-7 days. Current commercially available products to facilitate face-down positioning are typically in excess of $1000 to rent, take the form of a massage chair (reducing portability), do not adapt to the user’s varying heights, head shapes, and body sizes, and do not facilitate the use of media to pass time. All of these factors lead to decreased compliance by patients to the prescribed positioning regimen, which negatively impacts the outcomes of ophthalmic surgeries, sometimes requiring revisions to the original procedure. To address this problem, we have designed a table-top device that facilitates prone head positioning following ophthalmic surgery that improves upon the shortcomings of current devices. The device is adaptable to heights ranging from 6” to 18” on a continuous scale, incorporates customization for the patient’s desired head angle and back flexion, and is adaptable to varying body sizes. A two-panel mirror on the base of the device allows the user to watch TV or use a laptop. These specifications will ideally subvert traditional issues of portability and comfort while remaining in the prone position. Considering manufacturing costs, our device could be marketed for as low as $400. Finally, the device includes a compliance monitor that tracks patient use and displays incentives for proper adherence – which is a novel innovation over existing devices, intended to encourage the patient to remain compliant to their prescribed care routine. Through these improvements, our device will theoretically increase adherence to the prescribed regimen of prone positioning, which will ultimately lead to better surgical outcomes.